laser levels

[Blackwolf]

How do laser levels project a beam across the surface of the ground? My friend is a landscaper and he wants something he can see in the sunlight but he would like to make it rather than buy it. He is a machinist and can design the host.

 

[Speedy78]

A laser line lens. They are like 3 bucks on the Bay.

 

[Blackwolf]

wouldn't that make a "fan" shape? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gS0sV7kj-8E ^

I am looking for an on the wall style thing ^ just on the ground

 

[Speedy78]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I believe its the same things just oriented differently.

 

[hwang21]

Yes it is just a line lens, the angle and orientation will affect the output you guys are referring to

 

[Speedy78]

So instead of aiming straight out is it more aimed at the wall at a given angle?

 

[hwang21]

If you aim it with the line parallel to the surface you get a fan-type or plane output. If you align the lens 90 degrees in the plane parallel to the ground (x/y axis), but 30 degrees or so in the perpendicular plane to the ground (x/z axis), you will get the alignment type output that many leveling tools use. Adjusting the x/z axis rotation will adjust how far the laser line can project, I believe. Adjusting the x/y rotation will give you an intersecting plane with the ground until it hits 0 degrees, at which they are parallel planes

 

[DrSid]

Anyway, common levels use eye-safe 5mW lasers. These make nice dot, which is usually visible even in daylight. Not so much in full sunshine. But if you spread the power into a line, it's basically only visible indoors, or in the evenings.
You could get a lot stronger green pointer (like 200mW), use the same or similar line-generating lens, and it would be visible in daylight. But it won't be eye-safe. At some distances, even the line can be too bright.

 

[Leodahsan]

@Blackwolf
A level with a potentiometer for power adjust would be great... I can help designing the electronics if you want it.

 

[Blackwolf]

@Blackwolf
A level with a potentiometer for power adjust would be great... I can help designing the electronics if you want it.

That would be sweet.

 

[Leodahsan]

Just get yourself the module and the generator lens, and I can help with electronics. Pm me.